
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon: a wild winter trail race with river crossings and a hoodie.
Race Date
Jan 16, 2027
Location
Gibsonville, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, January 16, 2027
- Location
- Gibsonville, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 5 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 2,284
Highlights
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile, held every January at Northeast Park in Gibsonville, is North Carolina's most delightfully unpredictable winter trail race. With nine editions on record, this event has built a loyal following—about 22% of its typical ~174 finishers return each year, drawn by a course that's as temperamental as it is memorable. Runners from roughly 10 states converge for a true adventure, where conditions can swing from 85 degrees and bone dry to 35 degrees with treacherously slick trails and even an uncrossable river.
The Half Marathon course sends runners across the Reedy Fork River twice—a classic "WTF" moment that sums up the race's spirit. The 5-mile option offers a shorter but equally spirited experience. Both distances deliver a genuine trail challenge, though the terrain is predominantly flat, making the river crossings the primary obstacle. The atmosphere is low-key and community-driven, with a shared sense of camaraderie among participants who embrace whatever the weather throws at them.
At the finish, runners earn a cozy race hoodie, a finisher medal that's part of the North Carolina Trail Mega Medal Series, a WTF bumper sticker, and entry into fun prize giveaways. It's a small, scrappy event that punches above its weight in character and rewards—a hidden gem for trail runners seeking a mid-winter challenge with personality.
Race-provided description
The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Half Marathon & 5 Mile is North Carolina’s wildest winter trail race, held every January at Northeast Park in Gibsonville. This unique trail race has built a reputation for unpredictable conditions—over the years it’s been 85 degrees and bone dry, while other times it’s been 35 degrees with extremely slippery trails and even an uncrossable river. No matter the weather, this race delivers adventure, camaraderie, and a true “WTF” attitude on the trails. Whether you’re ready to take on the Half Marathon, with two epic river crossings at the Reedy Fork River, or you prefer the 5 mile run or ruck option, you’ll find a challenge worth bragging about. And at the finish line, participants are rewarded with the signature perks that make this race unforgettable. Why Run the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Half Marathon & 5 Mile? Here’s why trail runners and ruckers keep coming back year after year: January trail race adventure – A mid-winter challenge that embraces all kinds of weather.Reedy Fork River crossings – Half Marathon participants cross the river twice for a true WTF moment.Options for all levels – Choose the Half Marathon, 5 Mile, or ruck division and take on the trails your way.Hoodie swag – Every participant gets a cozy race hoodie, perfect for those chilly NC winter mornings.Finisher medal – Part of the North Carolina Trail Mega Medal Series—collect them all!WTF bumper dticker – A badge of honor you’ll want to display.Fun prizes & giveaways – Because who doesn’t love surprises?Post-race food & beer – Refuel, relax, and celebrate your muddy accomplishments. Race Experience
The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot trail race isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the stories you’ll carry with you. From slipping through icy mud to charging across rivers to laughing with fellow runners about the “WTF” moments, this race is built for those who love adventure and community. Add in chip timing, live results, and on-course support, and you’ve got a professionally organized trail race with a personality unlike any other.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, January 16, 2027
Start Time
9:30 AM
Giveaway
Race Hoodie
Start Location
3421 Northeast Park Drive, Gibsonville, NC, 27249
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout689 years running
~174 finishers a year
growing or steady
22% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 10 states
winner 1:38:18
typical high 47°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
30°
Afternoon (High)
47°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 2,284 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
2,284
Median time
2:36:00
Latest turnout
134
States
38
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile?
The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile is held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, starting at 9:30 AM.
Where does the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile take place?
It takes place in Gibsonville, North Carolina.
What distances does the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 5 Miles.
Is the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile course flat and good for a PR?
The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile?
HalfRuns has finish records for 2,284 runners who have completed the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon & 5 Mile.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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